Silly Poses and School

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Shovel Face

SS' first day of school was last week. She is back to getting up early and having to get back to studying. She has some pretty heavy coursework this year, and even with the help of tutors, we are working until late in the evening. I am happy to see how much her confidence has increased when she answers questions and how she is not questioning every word that she tries to write. Her language skills have improved so much. (Just a little funny note - We were reading Poe tonight; and of course, the story was quite terrifying. SS locked her bedroom window right afterward and told me that she plans to put something in front of the crack under her door so that maybe she can sleep tonight. Let's hope that she doesn't have to read too many more of his stories!)

And Now In Color!

My new shoe closet, completely finished!

These pictures actually are not accurate in color, but you get the idea. The color is really more green and less turquoise. The color in the picture is the color that the boys wanted us to paint the living room, though. Now to find a rug, some lamps, a chair, and some curtains... All should be fun, except the rug. I'm never a huge fan of paying for an area rug for my dog to roll on and people to walk all over. Wish that there was some kind of retractable rug that I could pull out in the evening when it's just me and hubby or when we have company over. Yes, I know, a little crazy! :-D

Cookies and Chaos

I don't know what is going on with Blogger today, but excuse the underlining. I can't seem to make it disappear. Anyway, the older boys set up a lemonade stand at Oma's today during her garage sale. It was a huge success. They were very cute - shyly smiling and saying hello to everyone. Then they would race over to me after the people were gone to tell me their current total. So tonight we were busy making more cookies and also some brownies, since I ran out of chocolate chips. The picture below shows our working conditions.

Though not an ideal set-up for getting anything done in the kitchen, I am happy that my living room will be painted by the end of the weekend. Happy, happy, joy, joy!

And here is the wonderful man who's making it happen!

Perspectives of Age

Me: So, how do you like your new English teacher?
SS: She's nice. She's old.
Me: Really, how old?
SS: Oh (thinking), kind of like Auntie Jen. Not 40 yet, but old.

Ah, yes... to be old in your 30's... Not sure what that makes everyone over 40.

She's on the road!

SS got her driver's permit a couple of weeks ago, so hubby and I are taking turns scaring ourselves. Actually, other than a few occasions, she is progressing really well. (I have been doing most of the driving with her, though, because she says daddy gets too nervous! Yes, all of you who know us well can chuckle at the irony of that!) Her driving teacher wants her to take her road exam in October. We're not so sure we're ready for that. Are you? :-)

Hubby extended our entryway today so that we have more space to pile in the door and take off coats and shoes. (Psychological space, not actual square footage.)

Finished!

Oh, and we picked out a paint color today! We're definitely making progress!

Boys' Day of Fun

Shark Attack!

Then for a drive in some Monster Trucks!

Hanging out with some beautiful girls...

and mommy too, of course!

My girlfriend called the other day to let me know about the carload sale at one of our local amusement parks. We threw everyone in the van, and for $30 we played all day. As you can see, we had a great time!